Issues

Tackling corruption head-on by pushing for comprehensive ethics reform, increased transparency, and stricter enforcement of ethics laws, especially regarding the active trading of stocks by lawmakers. JR is committed to ending the revolving door between Congress and lobbying by enacting a 10-year ban on lobbying after public service, ensuring elected officials work solely for the benefit of their constituents.

Recognizing that entrenched politicians and bureaucrats often prioritize their careers over the needs of the people, JR supports introducing congressional term limits. JR fought and passed term limits locally and will do the same in Washington. This measure will bring fresh perspectives and renewed accountability to our government.

To help regain the American people’s trust in government, JR is determined to reduce the influence of lobbyists and special interests on policy making. He will advocate for stricter regulations on lobbying activities, especially for lobbyists representing the interests of hostile foreign nations like China, and for increased transparency in lobbying expenditures.

President Biden enacted his radical Green New Deal under the cover of the Inflation Reduction Act. When budget analysts finally did the math, they found that Biden’s green energy subsidies will cost $1.2 trillion – three times what was originally claimed. These subsidies need to be rolled back, and companies from China, Russia, and other countries of concern should be ineligible to receive any American subsidies. For example, a Chinese battery company in Michigan and Illinois is seeking to attain billions of American tax dollars through Biden’s Green New Deal. The law should make clear that companies from countries of concern can’t get a penny from the American taxpayer.

Fossil fuels make American middle-class life possible. Energy production fuels high-paying middle-class jobs and an affordable price at the pump, which helps the middle class achieve the American Dream. America must dramatically increase its production of fossil fuels to create more jobs, lower costs at the pump for Utahans, and greater American support for our international allies. 

JR Bird supports new rules to require increases in federal land leasing to offset any draw downs on America’s strategic petroleum reserve. Joe Biden depleted America’s strategic energy reserves to record low levels in order to improve Democrats’ prospects ahead of the 2022 elections. At the same time, he restrained domestic energy production. Now, America is left with low energy reserves, high prices at the pump, and the likelihood of refilling the petroleum reserve at higher prices than when it was depleted. The federal government must allow more energy production whenever the president depletes our strategic energy reserves.

Cheaper energy transportation costs mean lower costs at the pump. But Joe Biden blocked one of America’s cheapest forms of energy transportation by shutting down the Keystone XL Pipeline, reducing the flow of energy from Canada to the United States. JR Bird will support the authorization of new energy infrastructure projects along with broad permitting reform to modernize NEPA so more energy and mineral resources can be developed in America while keeping our environment safe and clean.

Radical environmentalists compelled Joe Biden to cancel energy leases on federal lands that had been issued under President Trump. Now, America’s energy production is lower than it should be. JR Bird supports dramatically increasing federal land leases for future energy production.

As a concealed carry permit holder, a member of the Utah Shooting Sports Council, a life member of the NRA, a member of the National Association of Gun Rights, and Gun Owners of America, JR will vigorously defend the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. He supports reciprocity for concealed carry permit holders across state lines, ensuring Americans can protect themselves and their families wherever they travel. Most importantly, JR supports laws that would impose greater federal accountability on politicians like New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who violate their constituents’ constitutional rights.

JR is proudly pro-life and will work tirelessly to protect the dignity and sanctity of all human life. His commitment extends beyond the unborn to include support for adoption reform, making it easier to find loving homes for children. JR also recognizes that the leading cause of death for adults age 18-45 is a fentanyl overdose. While supporting those impacted by the opioid crisis, he would impose harsher federal penalties on fentanyl traffickers given that fentanyl is 50-100 times more potent than morphine.

JR believes it is wrong that the federal government controls more than 50% of the land in some states, including Utah. He recognizes that the federal government’s arbitrary control over expanding national monuments can hinder or even hold hostage local communities and their economies. He plans to reform the Antiquities Act, allowing local governments, communities, farmers, and ranchers to have a greater say in how public lands are used. This approach ensures that those who live and work on these lands have a more significant role in their preservation, management, and use. JR supports transfer of federal land ownership to state and private control especially in states like Utah, where the federal government controls around 65% of the land. At the same time, JR believes that other countries like China should be banned from buying both America’s agricultural land and land around military bases.

As a firm believer in religious freedom, JR will vigorously protect the rights of all Utahns and Americans to practice their faith without fear of discrimination. He will also champion free speech on college campuses and oppose any attempts to suppress differing viewpoints, thereby promoting open and respectful discourse.

JR recognizes the stifling impact of excessive regulations on businesses and innovation. He will lead efforts to overhaul the federal regulatory code and introduce legislation to ensure that regulations promote safety without stifling economic growth. By applying a regulatory budget “two-for-one” rule, JR aims to eliminate at least two outdated regulations for every new one introduced, fostering a more business-friendly environment. JR will also ensure that the economic impact of the two eliminated regulations outweighs the economic impact of the new regulation. Finally, JR supports the REINS Act, which would prevent any president and his bureaucrats from tying up the economy with red tape.

JR supports making the Trump tax cuts permanent to stimulate economic growth and increase investment in the United States to incentivize the reshoring of our critical supply chains. He also advocates simplifying the tax code, making it fairer and more straightforward for working Americans, seniors on a fixed income, and businesses. He aims to create a tax system that encourages investments, job creation, and economic stability. JR will also introduce a tax reform law to ensure that businesses owned or controlled by hostile foreign powers do not qualify for billions of dollars in tax credits and other incentives. This will ensure companies like Gotion, with its close ties to the Chinese Communist Party, don’t receive tax credits and incentives ultimately funded by the American taxpayers.

Small businesses will benefit from tax reform, regulatory relief, and more competition in medical care and medical insurance. The next Congress and president must prioritize American energy production so that producers can bring more reliable and affordable energy online to help keep small businesses competitive. Government contracting should also be streamlined and simplified making it easier for small businesses to compete. JR will advocate for Congress to explore the implementation of an idea pioneered in Utah by creating a federal regulatory sandbox allowing innovative businesses to develop new products and services without being bogged down by red tape.

JR believes it is disgraceful that Washington’s out-of-control spending has resulted in America’s credit rating being cut by Fitch Ratings. JR is committed to identifying and eliminating wasteful government spending. JR believes the best way to reduce wasteful spending is to roll back discretionary federal spending to pre-Covid levels, freeze spending at those levels for a year, and then hold spending growth below inflation rates. He will advocate for legislation to increase budget transparency. JR will also advocate for Congress to engage in a meaningful, deliberate budgeting process instead of flitting from mini-crisis to mini-crisis under threat of government shutdown. 

JR believes it is despicable that President Biden has turned over operational control of our southern border to drug cartels, who engage in human trafficking at unprecedented levels. JR believes in comprehensive border security measures, including walls or physical barriers, where necessary. He believes in reintroducing President Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy for those seeking asylum. He would provide our border patrol with state-of-the-art technology and training to safeguard our citizens and maintain the integrity of our borders. Finally, in light of millions of people being trafficked across our border and over 100,000 drug overdose deaths in America per year, JR believes that our next president should consider designating drug cartels operating on our southern border as terrorist organizations.

JR recognizes that aside from our national debt, China is the #1 threat to America’s safety and freedom. The Chinese Communist Party’s actions on the global stage must be countered with strength. He is committed to holding China accountable for unfair trade practices, intellectual property theft, and rampant human rights violations. He will support our allies and work to ensure a united front in addressing these concerns, while pursuing fair and mutually beneficial trade agreements. JR believes that Chinese companies guilty of using stolen American technology and intellectual property should be blocked from engaging in business in the United States. If China will not engage in fair trade, then JR supports moving our trade relations to less hostile countries.

JR knows our military deserves proper leadership, respect, and support from Congress. As Utah’s Congressman, he will ensure vital and proper funding for military bases like Hill Air Force Base. Rod will also prioritize funding to protect America from cyber threats and EMP attacks. He supports legislation to prevent hostile foreign powers from buying land around our military bases. 

JR believes in peace through strength, but emphasizes the importance of a careful and precise approach to foreign conflicts. He advocates for congressional approval before committing troops to overseas conflicts. JR recognizes that the #1 threat to America is China in the Pacific. JR aims to bring our brave men and women home from prolonged engagements in the Middle East and refocus resources on strengthening our nation.

JR recognizes the significant debt of gratitude we owe to our veterans. He is determined to improve the VA system to ensure veterans receive the quality care they deserve. JR proposes members of Congress receive the same medical benefits as those in the VA system, so Congress is treated no better than those who sacrificed so much for the United States. This will help ensure Congress continually works to improve VA healthcare and honors our veterans.

JR supports abolishing the Federal Department of Education. JR believes in returning power to the states and funding local school systems without federal strings attached. He believes we need less bureaucracy in our education with dollars prioritized to classroom instruction. JR believes parents are best equipped to decide what school is right for their children. He envisions a system where parents have a say in what education looks like for their children, and teachers have the flexibility, support, and resources needed to prepare students for a competitive job market.

Recognizing that four-year universities aren’t suitable for everyone, JR supports expanding alternative educational paths, such as technical schools and junior colleges, and gearing high schools to prepare students for a variety of careers, not just a four-year university. These institutions can provide valuable job skills and reduce the financial burden of higher education.

JR believes in empowering individuals to take control of their healthcare decisions. He supports expanding healthcare savings accounts (HSAs), FSAs, QSEHRAs, and more solutions that allow individuals and families to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses. JR will also demand greater price transparency for medical costs, and supports allowing Americans to shop for care outside their plans. By promoting these options, JR aims to give Americans more flexibility and control over their healthcare choices, ultimately reducing costs and increasing access to quality care.

JR recognizes the rising cost of medications burdens American families. He plans to open up the free market by taking on pharmaceutical and other healthcare related monopolies to increase competition. Lowering medication and hospital care costs will ensure that life-saving treatments are affordable and accessible. Americans should NOT be paying more for the same prescriptions and medications than citizens in other countries. It’s time we get a fair deal.

JR believes in a patient-centered approach to healthcare. He is committed to eliminating the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and replacing it with a more efficient, market-driven healthcare system. JR aims to increase choice and competition in the healthcare market, allowing individuals and families to select the coverage that best suits their needs.

JR understands rural communities’ unique challenges in accessing quality healthcare. He will work with local and state leaders to advocate for increased support in rural healthcare infrastructure, including clinics and telemedicine services, along with increased pathways for physicians to work in rural medicine. These investments will ensure that all Utahns, regardless of where they live, have access to the healthcare they need.

JR recognizes the importance of mental health and well-being. He will prioritize mental health insurance reforms, and work to improve access to mental healthcare services. By reducing stigma and collaboratively working with national and state leaders to find solutions for mental health support, JR aims to address the mental health crisis in our communities.